NEW YORK: August 4, 2010 The Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Begins Collecting Donations for the Victims of the Wildfires in Russia

The Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia announced on August 4, 2010, that it will begin collecting donations for the victims of the wildfires in Russia.

“St. Apostle Paul tells us: ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ’. Our Fund decided that it is important to lend our support to the Russian people at this difficult time,” said Protopriest Victor Potapov, Executive Director of the Fund.

On Sunday, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia appealed to all Orthodox people to help the victims of forest fires in Russia, and to pray for rain.

“We call upon the flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, whatever nationality they may be, to help us collect funds and respond to His Holiness’ worthy appeal,” said Fr Victor.

Protracted abnormal heat, dry weather and high winds have lead to widespread forest fires all over Russia. According to the Russian Emergency Ministry, forest fires have covered more than 121,000 hectares all over the country.

“People have died, hundreds have lost homes, thousands remain without a source of income,” said Patriarch Kirill. “Many of the victims are older people, who have lived off their land their whole lives. There are also many children [victims], because whole villages have been destroyed.”

The Patriarch has issued a ukase for holding a special plate collections all over Russia for the next three Sundays to benefit the victims.

To make a donation now, click here or make checks out to the Fund for Assistance to ROCOR, memo “Victims of Wildfires” and send to: